Dave Scott

Cyclists are being urged to make themselves more visible with dark nights still here until the end of next month when the clocks change.

The plea has come from local police officers, who will be undertaking a cycling road safety initiative over the next few weeks.

With cycling becoming increasingly popular in recent years and better weather arriving as spring approaches, more people are taking to local roads.

Howe of Fife and Cupar Police community teams this week pointed out that while the majority of cyclists used their bikes with care and consideration, complaints were received about people cycling without lights in darkness.

Constable Steven Tufft said this week that many complaints were received when motorists experienced near-misses with cyclists on unlit bikes.

Police Scotland, he added, had also received complaints of careless and dangerous cycling.

“It is mandatory for cyclists to display a white light to the front and red light to the rear during the hours of darkness (half an hour after sunset, half an hour before sunrise) and they must also be fitted with a rear red reflector,” said Constable Tufft.

Officers will be stressing the importance of wearing helmets and reflective / fluorescent clothing.

“Our emphasis will be on engaging constructively with the cycling community during our high visibility patrols in order to keep people safe,” added the constable.